Fresh Bride

Butterfly Brides.

This butterfly MUST be getting married today.  Just look her dress!

courtesy of AstidL from Beltrum, Netherlands as seen at www.flickr.com

SPARKLING BUTTERFLIES

The butterfly is a symbol of transformation.  It begins earth-bound and later takes flight as something new and beautiful.  So, it's no wonder that brides are drawn to the beauty of the butterfly when considering symbols and icons to incorporate into their wedding day -- via a hairclip, decor, even the ceremony.

For a bride and groom recently married in Mexico, I provided handmade, golden-glittered butterlies which were handed out to all the guests.  Just prior to the bride and groom's sharing of their vows, the guests were called up to make a wish with their butterfly and lay it at the feet of the bride and groom.  It could be a wish for themselves, or a wish for the bride and groom.  Symbolically, these wishes would then take flight upon the formalizing of the marriage.  For a bride who loves has both earthy sensibilities and a love of "things that are extra-sparkly," this was a perfectly personalized ceremonial ritual.

(photo: flickr)

RING IN THE NEW YEAR!

Attention all New Year's Day Brides!

Consider skipping music for your bridal walk down the aisle.  Instead, have your bridesmaids greet your guests upon their arrival and hand each of them a wedding bell.  When it's time for your entrance, have your officiant instruct the guests to ring their bells "to call in the bride."  Walk down the aisle to the sound of the bells and enjoy the resonating excitement all around you. 

When you get to the ceremony site, take the arm of your groom and pause while the bells continue to ring.  In silence, make a new year's resolution or prayer for your marriage.  When you are finished, ring a bell of your own.  The officiant can then signal for all bells to stop as you take your places to become married.

Now that's a way to ring in the new year!